Free, fun and inclusive youth spaces coming to Sunderland's West Area

Young people aged 10-18 in Sunderland's West Area are set to benefit from an ambitious two-year youth project launching this summer.

Delivered by a partnership of trusted local youth organisations through the Sunderland All Together Consortium, the project will offer free, safe and engaging spaces across Silksworth, St Chad's, Pallion, St Anne's and Sandhill wards.

Weekly youth sessions at local community venues will include sport, art, music, cooking, trips and more - all supported by friendly youth workers. The project will run from July 2025 to September 2026.

The project has been backed by £166,550 in Neighbourhood Funding from Sunderland City Council's West Area Committee. Supported by over £114,000 in match funding from The National Lottery's, Good Vibes Project, bringing the total fund to £281,135.

Young people across Sunderland are invited to take part in a vibrant weekly programme of youth sessions held at community centres throughout the city. There are currently 18 sessions happening across seven youth and community centres throughout the week:

• Lambton Street Youth and Community Hub runs evening sessions from 6 to 8 pm, Monday through Friday.
• Silksworth Youth and Community Centre runs sessions Monday and Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Friday from 6:45 to 9 pm, and Sunday from 6 to 8 pm.
• Plains Farm Youth and Community Centre runs sessions on Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Wednesday from 5 to 8:15 pm, and Saturday from 10 to 12 pm.
• Farringdon Youth and Community Centre runs sessions Tuesday from 5 to 8:15 pm, Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm, and Friday from 6:45 to 8:15 pm.
• Pennywell Community Centre runs sessions Tuesday evening sessions from 6 to 8 pm.
• Thorney Close Action and Enterprise Centre runs sessions on Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 8 pm.
• The Tansey Centre runs a session on Saturday from 5 to 7 pm.

In addition to their timetable, they also offer Holiday clubs, more info can be found on their Facebook Page- (20+) Facebook

Alongside fun activities, the project has a clear focus on giving young people life skills and confidence. Informal learning will help build communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Dedicated sessions will address issues such as anti-social behaviour, crime and substance misuse through open conversations and creative workshops. Young people will also have opportunities to volunteer, co-design sessions and learn practical skills like budgeting and self-care.

The project places a strong emphasis on good mental health and healthy relationships, complementing the existing Good Vibes project. Safe spaces and trusted youth workers will help young people explore feelings, reduce stigma and build resilience. Sport, leisure and cultural activities will broaden horizons, promote inclusion, and encourage young people to see new possibilities for their futures.

The initiative also includes detached and outreach youth work in parks, shopping areas and transport hubs to reduce anti-social behaviour and connect with young people where they spend time. All delivery will be shaped by live local intelligence and collaboration with councillors, the police and community safety teams.

Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council said: "This project is about giving young people in the West Area positive, welcoming spaces to learn, create and connect. By investing in their wellbeing and ambitions, we're helping build a stronger, safer and more confident community for everyone."

The West Area Committee is one of the five area committees across Sunderland. Made up of local councillors, these provide residents with a greater say by working closely with their communities and drawing on local knowledge to identify priorities for their area. They also create Area Plans to support the City Plan, focusing on local needs. These plans help fund and deliver projects in partnership with local voluntary and community sector organisations.

Additional plans include staff training, safeguarding measures, and open events to showcase young people's achievements, fostering pride and community cohesion.

For more information or to get involved visit: https://www.facebook.com/sunderlandyouthwork